I attend a popular online university. This university advertises a “free trial class”, which in reality is a bogus class that is non-transferable and mandatory that eats up an elective opportunity and gives no real impression of what it’s like to take a real accelerated online class. The class is a free trial only if you drop out before the fourth week, otherwise it is the same price per credit as all other classes, yet holds no true benefit to the student.
After about a week of my financial aid page on the student portal displaying the message that the financial office had everything they need to determine what aid I am able to actually receive and to be able to send me an offer to accept, I became impatient and spoke with someone. I was informed that they refuse to notify me of what aid I am able to receive other than the estimate of what I am potentially eligible for until I meet attendance on the fourth week of this bogus “class”. I’ve attended other universities and have ALWAYS had this information and been able to accept my offer before classes even started. The student portal even states that they are able to make this determination now, rather than after I am on the hook to pay for a class that isn’t even beneficial to my future or educational career.
I feel as though this is shady and that they are taking advantage of the inexperienced student. Any and all input is appreciated. Thank you!